Idun nods, then reaches across and squeezes my hand. ‘I’m so grateful for you, Kristina. Won’t you come and see me soon? I know I’m not much fun these days, but it would mean a lot to me. Elisabeth was so lucky to have you. And it makes me happy to see you here in this beautiful home, living a meaningful life, still young and beautiful. Your whole life lies ahead of you. You have to live it for both of you now. For all three of you.’ I have to look away. I feel a lump in my throat at the mention of Elisabeth, and Trine. It feels surreal that out of the three young girls who once did everything together and embarked on what was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime, I’m the only one still alive. You have to live for all three of you.

‘I’ll come soon, Idun. I promise. I’m so sorry, but I need to leave in a moment, I’m supposed to be somewhere shortly.’

‘Of course. Just one more thing.’

‘Sure.’

‘Could you show me where it happened?’ My heart picks up its pace and I feel suddenly queasy at the thought of standing in that room with Elisabeth’s mother.

‘Of course,’ I say softly, and stand up.

The spare bedroom is immaculately tidy and the bed is freshly made up – our housekeeper must have done it; I can barely bear to be in this room. There is a desk by the window and a big wardrobe used to store winter duvets and cozy throws. Idun takes a visibly deep breath and steps into the room. I follow behind her. She walks over to the bed and strokes the pillow, as though it might still hold the indentation of her daughter’s head.

‘Oh,’ she whispers. I remain by the door, my knuckles tight around the door handle. Her shoulders begin to shudder as she cries, and I feel deeply uncomfortable in a way I never do at work when a client displays intense emotion. ‘May I?’ she gestures to the bed. I nod.

Idun clambers onto the high bed and lies down atop the comforter, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. From where I’m standing she now uncannily resembles her daughter, the way I found her lying in the exact same place, her eyes also wide open and staring at the ceiling. I swallow hard; it feels as though I’m going to black out.